Use the chart below, it shows the ionization energy and atomic number of each of the elements in the periodic table. In chemical reactions metals tend to lose electrons easily. Which of the following statements are supported by the given information in the chart?

A. On the periodic table the elements with the highest atomic numbers are least likely to be metals.
B. On the periodic table the elements on the top are metals.
C. On the periodic table the elements on the left hand side are metals.
D. On the periodic table the elements with the smaller amount of mass are most likely to be metals.

3 answers

To evaluate the statements based on the general trends of the periodic table regarding ionization energy and metallic character, let's consider each statement one by one:

A. On the periodic table, the elements with the highest atomic numbers are least likely to be metals.

  • This statement is generally true. As you move across the periodic table from left to right and up and down, elements tend to become less metallic (more non-metallic) as atomic number increases. Elements with high atomic numbers in periods typically include metalloids and nonmetals, especially in the upper right corner (like noble gases).

B. On the periodic table, the elements on the top are metals.

  • This statement is false. The top rows of the periodic table include hydrogen (a non-metal), and the elements in the second row also contain non-metals and metalloids (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, oxygen). The transition metals are found in the center of the periodic table.

C. On the periodic table, the elements on the left-hand side are metals.

  • This statement is generally true. The left side of the periodic table predominantly consists of metals (alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and transition metals).

D. On the periodic table, the elements with the smaller amount of mass are most likely to be metals.

  • This statement is misleading. While many metals (like lithium, sodium, magnesium) do have low atomic masses, not all low-mass elements are metals (e.g., hydrogen and helium are non-metals). There isn't a direct correlation that can be generalized.

Based on the analysis:

  • Supported statements: A (generally true) and C (generally true).
  • Not supported statements: B (false), D (misleading).

Thus, the supported statements from the given information in the chart are A and C.

so what's the answer?

The statements supported by the information in the chart are:

A. On the periodic table, the elements with the highest atomic numbers are least likely to be metals.

C. On the periodic table, the elements on the left-hand side are metals.

Therefore, the answer includes A and C as the supported statements.